Tulip City State Title Winners Honored at Annual IGHSAU Parade of Champions

Pella's cross country, softball, and track and field champions celebrated at 5A title game

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

At the annual Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union Parade of Champions, several state title winners from Pella and Pella Christian were honored during the 5A girls basketball championship game. This included Pella's four-time cross country champions, the 'CinderPella' softball team that won the school's first title, and Pella Christian's dominant track and field squad.

Why it matters

The Parade of Champions is a long-standing tradition that celebrates the top high school athletic achievements in Iowa, and Pella's multiple state champions across several sports underscores the community's deep commitment to and success in girls athletics.

The details

Pella's cross country team won its fourth consecutive 3A state title, while the softball team pulled off an improbable run as the #8 seed to win the school's first-ever championship. Pella Christian's track and field squad dominated the 2A field, winning seven individual titles and the team championship.

  • The Parade of Champions took place during the 5A girls basketball championship game on March 7, 2026.
  • Pella's cross country team won its fourth straight 3A state title in the previous year.
  • Pella's softball team won the 4A state championship in the previous year.
  • Pella Christian's track and field team won the 2A state title in the previous spring season.

The players

Pella High School

A public high school in Pella, Iowa that has seen tremendous success in girls sports, including four consecutive 3A state cross country titles, the school's first-ever softball championship, and a dominant track and field program.

Pella Christian High School

A private Christian high school in Pella, Iowa that won the 2A state track and field championship the previous year, capturing seven individual titles.

Marissa Ferebee

A three-time individual state champion who led Pella High School's girls basketball team to a fourth consecutive 3A state title.

Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union (IGHSAU)

The governing body for girls high school sports in Iowa that hosts the annual Parade of Champions to honor the previous year's state champions.

Casey's Center

The venue in Des Moines, Iowa where the IGHSAU state basketball tournament and Parade of Champions are held.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's an honor for our teams to be recognized on this stage in front of the whole state. These girls have worked so hard and it's great to see their achievements celebrated.”

— Marissa Ferebee, Three-time individual state champion

What’s next

The Pella and Pella Christian teams will look to defend their state titles in the upcoming seasons, aiming to continue the community's tradition of girls sports excellence.

The takeaway

Pella has established itself as a powerhouse in Iowa high school girls athletics, with multiple state champions across different sports demonstrating the community's deep commitment to and success in developing young female athletes.